UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
FORM N-CSRS
Investment Company Act file number: 811-02671
Deutsche Municipal Trust
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154-0004
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: (212) 250-3220
Paul Schubert
60 Wall Street
New York, NY 10005
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Date of fiscal year end: | 10/31 |
Date of reporting period: | 4/30/2017 |
ITEM 1. | REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS |
April 30, 2017
Semiannual Report
to Shareholders
Deutsche Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund
Contents
3 Letter to Shareholders 5 Performance Summary 9 Portfolio Management Team 10 Portfolio Summary 15 Investment Portfolio 25 Statement of Assets and Liabilities 27 Statement of Operations 28 Statements of Changes in Net Assets 29 Financial Highlights 33 Notes to Financial Statements 41 Information About Your Fund's Expenses 43 Advisory Agreement Board Considerations and Fee Evaluation 48 Account Management Resources 50 Privacy Statement |
This report must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus. To obtain a summary prospectus, if available, or prospectus for any of our funds, refer to the Account Management Resources information provided in the back of this booklet. We advise you to consider the fund's objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. The summary prospectus and prospectus contain this and other important information about the fund. Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest.
Bond investments are subject to interest-rate, credit, liquidity and market risks to varying degrees. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall. Credit risk refers to the ability of an issuer to make timely payments of principal and interest. Investing in derivatives entails special risks relating to liquidity, leverage and credit that may reduce returns and/or increase volatility. Although the fund seeks income that is exempt from federal income taxes, a portion of the fund’s distributions may be subject to federal, state and local taxes, including the alternative minimum tax. See the prospectus for details.
Deutsche Asset Management represents the asset management activities conducted by Deutsche Bank AG or any of its subsidiaries.
NOT FDIC/NCUA INSURED NO BANK GUARANTEE MAY LOSE VALUE NOT A DEPOSIT NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY
Letter to Shareholders
Dear Shareholder:
America’s economic expansion, now in its eighth year, continues. Much of the damage from the Great Recession appears to have been repaired, and growth, while not spectacular, has been sufficient to support a stronger labor market.
How long can this last? Our economists generally expect the economy to continue performing well this year. The labor markets should firm a bit further, and underlying inflation is edging closer to target.
Against this backdrop, the U.S. stock markets have set a series of record highs — thanks, in part, to expectations for a boost from Washington. The challenge is that the new administration is still finding its footing. So, while some combination of tax cuts, regulatory reforms, and spending increases in infrastructure and defense seems likely, the timing of implementation is unclear. It remains to be seen how the President’s legislative agenda will translate into tangible results after running the gauntlet of political procedure and bargaining.
We invite you to stay abreast of that process — and our economists’ take on the impact for the markets and investors — by visiting deutschefunds.com. The "Insights" section of our Web site offers up-to-date views on the global and domestic economies and the implications for each asset class.
Thank you, as always, for allowing us to serve your investment needs.
Best regards,
Brian Binder President, Deutsche Funds |
Assumptions, estimates and opinions contained in this document constitute our judgment as of the date of the document and are subject to change without notice. Any projections are based on a number of assumptions as to market conditions and there can be no guarantee that any projected results will be achieved. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Performance Summary April 30, 2017 (Unaudited)
Class A | 6-Month‡ | 1-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year |
Average Annual Total Returns as of 4/30/17 | ||||
Unadjusted for Sales Charge | 0.21% | 0.20% | 0.65% | 1.54% |
Adjusted for the Maximum Sales Charge (max 2.00% load) | –1.79% | –1.80% | 0.25% | 1.34% |
Bloomberg Barclays 1-Year G.O. Bond Index† | 0.62% | 0.67% | 0.69% | 1.77% |
Bloomberg Barclays 3-Year (2–4) Municipal Bond Index†† | 0.56% | 0.62% | 1.23% | 2.75% |
Average Annual Total Returns as of 3/31/17 (most recent calendar quarter end) | ||||
Unadjusted for Sales Charge | 0.09% | 0.67% | 1.54% | |
Adjusted for the Maximum Sales Charge (max 2.00% load) | –1.91% | 0.27% | 1.33% | |
Bloomberg Barclays 1-Year G.O. Bond Index† | 0.64% | 0.67% | 1.77% | |
Bloomberg Barclays 3-Year (2–4) Municipal Bond Index†† | 0.57% | 1.23% | 2.74% | |
Class C | 6-Month‡ | 1-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year |
Average Annual Total Returns as of 4/30/17 | ||||
Unadjusted for Sales Charge | –0.16% | –0.54% | –0.10% | 0.79% |
Adjusted for the Maximum Sales Charge (max 1.00% CDSC) | –1.16% | –0.54% | –0.10% | 0.79% |
Bloomberg Barclays 1-Year G.O. Bond Index† | 0.62% | 0.67% | 0.69% | 1.77% |
Bloomberg Barclays 3-Year (2–4) Municipal Bond Index†† | 0.56% | 0.62% | 1.23% | 2.75% |
Average Annual Total Returns as of 3/31/17 (most recent calendar quarter end) | ||||
Unadjusted for Sales Charge | –0.66% | –0.08% | 0.77% | |
Adjusted for the Maximum Sales Charge (max 1.00% CDSC) | –0.66% | –0.08% | 0.77% | |
Bloomberg Barclays 1-Year G.O. Bond Index† | 0.64% | 0.67% | 1.77% | |
Bloomberg Barclays 3-Year (2–4) Municipal Bond Index†† | 0.57% | 1.23% | 2.74% | |
Class S | 6-Month‡ | 1-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year |
Average Annual Total Returns as of 4/30/17 | ||||
No Sales Charges | 0.29% | 0.35% | 0.81% | 1.72% |
Bloomberg Barclays 1-Year G.O. Bond Index† | 0.62% | 0.67% | 0.69% | 1.77% |
Bloomberg Barclays 3-Year (2–4) Municipal Bond Index†† | 0.56% | 0.62% | 1.23% | 2.75% |
Average Annual Total Returns as of 3/31/17 (most recent calendar quarter end) | ||||
No Sales Charges | 0.24% | 0.83% | 1.71% | |
Bloomberg Barclays 1-Year G.O. Bond Index† | 0.64% | 0.67% | 1.77% | |
Bloomberg Barclays 3-Year (2–4) Municipal Bond Index†† | 0.57% | 1.23% | 2.74% | |
Institutional Class | 6-Month‡ | 1-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year |
Average Annual Total Returns as of 4/30/17 | ||||
No Sales Charges | 0.34% | 0.46% | 0.91% | 1.79% |
Bloomberg Barclays 1-Year G.O. Bond Index† | 0.62% | 0.67% | 0.69% | 1.77% |
Bloomberg Barclays 3-Year (2–4) Municipal Bond Index†† | 0.56% | 0.62% | 1.23% | 2.75% |
Average Annual Total Returns as of 3/31/17 (most recent calendar quarter end) | ||||
No Sales Charges | 0.34% | 0.93% | 1.79% | |
Bloomberg Barclays 1-Year G.O. Bond Index† | 0.64% | 0.67% | 1.77% | |
Bloomberg Barclays 3-Year (2–4) Municipal Bond Index†† | 0.57% | 1.23% | 2.74% |
Performance in the Average Annual Total Returns table(s) above and the Growth of an Assumed $10,000 Investment line graph that follows is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal fluctuate, so your shares may be worth more or less when redeemed. Current performance may differ from performance data shown. Please visit deutschefunds.com for the Fund's most recent month-end performance. Fund performance includes reinvestment of all distributions. Unadjusted returns do not reflect sales charges and would have been lower if they had.
The gross expense ratios of the Fund, as stated in the fee table of the prospectus dated February 1, 2017 are 0.90%, 1.67%, 0.74% and 0.65% for Class A, Class C, Class S and Institutional Class shares, respectively, and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report.
Index returns do not reflect any fees or expenses and it is not possible to invest directly into an index.
Performance figures do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. A portion of the fund's distributions may be subject to federal, state and local tax and the alternative minimum tax.
Generally accepted accounting principles require adjustments to be made to the net assets of the Fund at period end for financial reporting purposes only, and as such, the total return based on the unadjusted net asset value per share may differ from the total return reported in the financial highlights.
Growth of an Assumed $10,000 Investment (Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge) |
■ Deutsche Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund — Class A ■ Bloomberg Barclays 1-Year G.O. Bond Index† ■ Bloomberg Barclays 3-Year (2–4) Municipal Bond Index†† |
Yearly periods ended April 30 |
The Fund's growth of an assumed $10,000 investment is adjusted for the maximum sales charge of 2.00%. This results in a net initial investment of $9,800.
The growth of $10,000 is cumulative.
Performance of other share classes will vary based on the sales charges and the fee structure of those classes.
† The Bloomberg Barclays 1-Year General Obligation Bond Index tracks the performance of investment-grade tax-exempt bonds with maturities of less than one year.
†† The Bloomberg Barclays 3-Year (2–4) Municipal Bond Index is a market-value-weighted index which covers those issues with remaining maturities of two to four years within the U.S. investment-grade tax-exempt bond market.
‡ Total returns shown for periods less than one year are not annualized.
Class A | Class C | Class S | Institutional Class | |
Net Asset Value | ||||
4/30/17 | $ 10.12 | $ 10.12 | $ 10.11 | $ 10.12 |
10/31/16 | $ 10.16 | $ 10.16 | $ 10.15 | $ 10.16 |
Distribution Information as of 4/30/17 | ||||
Income Dividends, Six Months | $ .06 | $ .02 | $ .07 | $ .07 |
April Income Dividend | $ .0113 | $ .0050 | $ .0125 | $ .0134 |
SEC 30-day Yield††† | .65% | –.07% | .82% | .91% |
Tax Equivalent Yield††† | 1.15% | N/A | 1.45% | 1.61% |
Current Annualized Distribution Rate††† | 1.34% | 0.59% | 1.48% | 1.59% |
††† The SEC yield is net investment income per share earned over the month ended April 30, 2017, shown as an annualized percentage of the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period. The SEC yield is computed in accordance with a standardized method prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The SEC yields would have been 0.48%, –0.27%, 0.68% and 0.78% for Class A, C, S and Institutional shares, respectively, had certain expenses not been reduced. Tax equivalent yield is based on the Fund's yield and a marginal income tax rate of 43.40%. Current annualized distribution rate is the latest monthly dividend shown as an annualized percentage of net asset value on April 30, 2017. Distribution rate simply measures the level of dividends and is not a complete measure of performance. The current annualized distribution rates would have been 1.17%, 0.39%, 1.34% and 1.46% for Class A, C, S and Institutional shares, respectively, had certain expenses not been reduced. Yields and distribution rates are historical, not guaranteed and will fluctuate.
Portfolio Management Team
Ashton P. Goodfield, CFA, Managing Director
Co-Lead Portfolio Manager of the fund. Began managing the fund in 2003.
— Joined Deutsche Asset Management in 1986.
— Co-Head of Municipal Bonds.
— BA, Duke University.
Matthew J. Caggiano, CFA, Managing Director
Co-Lead Portfolio Manager of the fund. Began managing the fund in 2014.
— Joined Deutsche Asset Management in 1989.
— BS, Pennsylvania State University; MS, Boston College.
Peter Aloisi, CFA, Vice President
Portfolio Manager of the fund. Began managing the fund in 2014.
— Joined Deutsche Asset Management in 2010 with five years of industry experience; previously, served as an Associate at Banc of America Securities.
— Municipal Trader: Boston.
— BA and MBA, Boston College.
Portfolio Summary (Unaudited)
Investment Portfolio as of April 30, 2017 (Unaudited)
Principal Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||
Municipal Bonds and Notes 100.3% | |||
Alaska 0.2% | |||
Alaska, State Housing Finance Corp., Mortgage Revenue, Series A, 4.0%, 6/1/2040 | 490,000 | 502,779 | |
Arizona 5.7% | |||
Arizona, Health Facilities Authority Revenue, Banner Health: | |||
Series D, Prerefunded 1/1/2018 @ 100, 5.375%, 1/1/2032 | 7,800,000 | 8,038,602 | |
Series D, Prerefunded 1/1/2018 @ 100, 5.5%, 1/1/2019 | 5,000,000 | 5,157,150 | |
Series D, Prerefunded 1/1/2018 @ 100, 5.5%, 1/1/2031 | 2,325,000 | 2,398,075 | |
Arizona, State Transportation Board, Grant Anticipation Notes, 5.0%, 7/1/2023 | 1,000,000 | 1,190,410 | |
Maricopa County, AZ, Certificates of Participation, 5.0%, 7/1/2018 | 680,000 | 712,259 | |
17,496,496 | |||
California 7.6% | |||
California, Bay Area Toll Authority, Toll Bridge Revenue, Series B, 1.5%, Mandatory Put 4/2/2018 @ 100, 4/1/2047 | 1,000,000 | 1,002,490 | |
California, Mount San Antonio Community College District, Bond Anticipation Notes, Zero Coupon, 4/1/2022 | 915,000 | 831,982 | |
California, State Department of Water Resources, Center Valley Project, Water Systems, Series AT, 1.2%*, Mandatory Put 12/1/2017 @ 100, 12/1/2035 | 5,715,000 | 5,714,028 | |
California, State General Obligation: | |||
5.0%, 8/1/2024 | 2,000,000 | 2,419,080 | |
5.25%, 4/1/2022 | 1,615,000 | 1,747,640 | |
California, State Pollution Control Financing Authority, Solid Waste Disposal Revenue, Republic Services, Inc., Series A, AMT, 1.25%*, Mandatory Put 8/1/2017 @ 100, 8/1/2023 | 3,000,000 | 3,000,000 | |
California, State Public Works Board, Lease Revenue, Judicial Council Projects, Series D, 5.0%, 12/1/2020 | 1,000,000 | 1,130,660 | |
Los Angeles County, CA, Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Sales Tax Revenue, Series A, 5.0%, 6/1/2023 | 1,000,000 | 1,202,120 | |
Los Angeles, CA, Harbor Department, Series A, AMT, 5.0%, 8/1/2024 | 1,500,000 | 1,799,205 | |
Port of Oakland, CA, Series O, AMT, 5.0%, 5/1/2020 | 3,000,000 | 3,305,880 | |
San Diego, CA, Unified School District, Series A, 2.0%,��6/30/2017 | 1,000,000 | 1,002,010 | |
23,155,095 | |||
Colorado 0.8% | |||
Denver City & County, CO, School District No. 1, Series B, 4.0%, 12/1/2017 | 2,350,000 | 2,394,791 | |
Connecticut 0.5% | |||
Connecticut, State Housing Finance Program Authority Revenue, Series A-1, 4.0%, 11/15/2047 | 1,450,000 | 1,574,410 | |
Delaware 1.6% | |||
Delaware, State General Obligation, Series A, 5.0%, 7/1/2017 | 1,375,000 | 1,385,189 | |
Delaware, State Transportation Authority System Revenue: | |||
5.0%, 7/1/2017 | 1,400,000 | 1,410,346 | |
Series A, 5.0%, 7/1/2017 | 2,000,000 | 2,014,780 | |
4,810,315 | |||
District of Columbia 1.1% | |||
District of Columbia, Water & Sewer Authority, Public Utility Revenue, 5.5%, 10/1/2023, INS: AGMC | 3,000,000 | 3,490,200 | |
Florida 7.5% | |||
Broward County, FL, Airport Systems Revenue, Series P-1, AMT, 5.0%, 10/1/2021 | 2,640,000 | 2,998,327 | |
Florida, Housing Finance Corp. Revenue, Homeowner Mortgage Special Program, Series A, 5.0%, 7/1/2028 | 335,000 | 348,316 | |
Florida, State Board of Public Education, Capital Outlay 2011, Series B, 5.0%, 6/1/2017 | 3,000,000 | 3,011,820 | |
Lee County, FL, Airport Revenue, Series A, AMT, 5.5%, 10/1/2023 | 1,250,000 | 1,430,250 | |
Miami Beach, FL, Health Facilities Authority, Mount Sinai Medical Center of Florida, Inc., 5.0%, 11/15/2021 | 1,000,000 | 1,124,790 | |
Miami-Dade County, FL, Aviation Revenue: | |||
AMT, 5.0%, 10/1/2017 | 4,340,000 | 4,412,652 | |
AMT, 5.0%, 10/1/2022 | 1,000,000 | 1,149,470 | |
Monroe County, FL, School District, Sales Tax Revenue, 5.0%, 10/1/2021, INS: AGMC | 325,000 | 373,142 | |
South Miami, FL, Health Facilities Authority, Hospital Revenue, Baptist Health South Florida Group, 5.0%, 8/15/2021 | 2,500,000 | 2,529,550 | |
Tampa, FL, Solid Waste Systems Revenue, AMT, 5.0%, 10/1/2019, INS: AGMC | 5,000,000 | 5,419,500 | |
22,797,817 | |||
Georgia 3.5% | |||
Atlanta, GA, Airport Revenue, Series B, AMT, 5.0%, 1/1/2022 | 1,000,000 | 1,117,440 | |
Atlanta, GA, Metropolitan Rapid Transit Authority, Sales Tax Revenue, Second Indenture, Series B, 1.18%*, Mandatory Put 7/1/2017 @ 100, 7/1/2025 | 1,715,000 | 1,715,069 | |
Gainesville & Hall County, GA, Hospital Authority Revenue, Anticipation Certificates, Northeast Georgia Healthcare: | |||
Series A, 5.0%, 2/15/2018 | 2,000,000 | 2,060,940 | |
Series A, 5.0%, 2/15/2019 | 1,500,000 | 1,597,350 | |
Georgia, Municipal Electric Authority, Project One: | |||
Series A, 5.0%, 1/1/2021 | 1,580,000 | 1,751,240 | |
Series A, 5.0%, 1/1/2022 | 2,310,000 | 2,597,965 | |
10,840,004 | |||
Illinois 7.8% | |||
Chicago, IL, Board of Education, Series A, 5.25%, 12/1/2018, INS: NATL | 1,830,000 | 1,853,772 | |
Chicago, IL, O'Hare International Airport Revenue, Series D, AMT, 5.25%, 1/1/2019 | 1,000,000 | 1,065,910 | |
Granite City, IL, Waste Management, Inc. Project, AMT, 1.6%*, Mandatory Put 5/1/2018 @ 100, 5/1/2027 | 3,000,000 | 3,000,030 | |
Illinois, Railsplitter Tobacco Settlement Authority Revenue, 5.25%, 6/1/2020 | 2,000,000 | 2,225,180 | |
Illinois, Regional Transportation Authority, Series A, 5.0%, 7/1/2022, INS: NATL | 2,320,000 | 2,327,262 | |
Illinois, State Finance Authority Revenue, University of Chicago: | |||
Series B, 5.0%, 7/1/2017 | 4,655,000 | 4,688,888 | |
Series B, ETM, Prerefunded, 5.0%, 7/1/2017 | 345,000 | 347,529 | |
Illinois, State Sales Tax Revenue, Junior Obligation, Series A, 5.0%, 6/15/2022 | 3,000,000 | 3,436,320 | |
Lake County, IL, Forest Preserve District, Series A, 1.238%*, 12/15/2020 | 5,000,000 | 4,991,750 | |
23,936,641 | |||
Indiana 0.8% | |||
Indiana, State Health Facility Financing Authority, Ascension Health Credit Group, Series A-2, 4.0%, Mandatory Put 3/1/2019 @ 100, 11/15/2036 | 2,250,000 | 2,362,567 | |
Maine 0.5% | |||
Maine, State Housing Authority Mortgage Revenue, Series A-1, AMT, 4.5%, 11/15/2028 | 1,370,000 | 1,441,528 | |
Maryland 0.5% | |||
Maryland, State Department of Transportation Consolidated Revenue, Prerefunded 2/15/2021 @ 100, 5.0%, 2/15/2026 | 1,260,000 | 1,435,808 | |
Massachusetts 5.3% | |||
Massachusetts, State Consolidated Loan: | |||
Series 3, 4.0%, 5/1/2017 | 1,330,000 | 1,330,372 | |
Series C, 5.5%, 11/1/2017, INS: NATL | 2,000,000 | 2,048,080 | |
Massachusetts, State Development Finance Agency Revenue, Partners Healthcare System, Inc., Series M-3, 1.45%*, Mandatory Put 1/30/2018 @ 100, 7/1/2038 | 4,915,000 | 4,920,701 | |
Massachusetts, State Development Finance Agency Revenue, Suffolk University: | |||
5.0%, 7/1/2023 | 1,000,000 | 1,152,720 | |
5.0%, 7/1/2024 | 1,000,000 | 1,156,500 | |
Massachusetts, State Water Resources Authority, Series A, ETM, Prerefunded, 5.25%, 8/1/2017, INS: NATL | 1,690,000 | 1,709,317 | |
University of Massachusetts, Building Authority Revenue, Series 2, 1.2%*, 11/1/2034 | 3,900,000 | 3,900,000 | |
16,217,690 | |||
Michigan 3.0% | |||
Michigan, State Finance Authority Revenue, Henry Ford Health System, 5.0%, 11/15/2023 | 500,000 | 590,150 | |
Michigan, State Finance Authority Revenue, Unemployment Obligation Assessment, Series B, 5.0%, 7/1/2021 | 4,175,000 | 4,376,068 | |
Michigan, State Hospital Finance Authority Revenue, Ascension Health Credit Group: | |||
Series B-3, 0.95%, Mandatory Put 2/1/2018 @ 100, 11/15/2033 | 965,000 | 964,826 | |
Series B-3, Prerefunded 2/1/2018 @ 100, 0.95%, 11/15/2033 | 35,000 | 34,949 | |
Michigan, State Hospital Finance Authority Revenue, Ascension Health Senior Credit Group, Series B, 5.0%, 11/15/2020 | 3,000,000 | 3,279,990 | |
9,245,983 | |||
Mississippi 1.3% | |||
Mississippi, State Development Bank Special Obligation, Department of Corrections: | |||
Series D, 5.0%, 8/1/2021 | 1,815,000 | 2,013,161 | |
Series D, Prerefunded 8/1/2020 @ 100, 5.0%, 8/1/2021 | 1,880,000 | 2,107,029 | |
4,120,190 | |||
Missouri 0.2% | |||
Missouri, State Housing Development Commission, Single Family Mortgage Revenue, Homeownership Loan Program, Series D, 4.8%, 3/1/2040 | 255,000 | 266,641 | |
Missouri, State Housing Development Commission, Single Family Mortgage Revenue, Special Homeownership Loan Program Market Bonds, Series E-1, 5.0%, 11/1/2027 | 195,000 | 206,025 | |
472,666 | |||
Nebraska 0.4% | |||
Nebraska, State Investment Finance Authority, Single Family Housing Revenue: | |||
Series A, 2.5%, 9/1/2034 | 240,000 | 241,771 | |
Series E, 3.0%, 3/1/2043 | 220,000 | 223,947 | |
Series C, 4.5%, 9/1/2043 | 810,000 | 833,215 | |
1,298,933 | |||
Nevada 1.8% | |||
Las Vegas Valley, NV, Water District, Series C, 5.0%, 9/15/2023 | 3,590,000 | 4,281,434 | |
Nevada, State General Obligation, Series E, 5.0%, 2/1/2018 | 1,065,000 | 1,098,388 | |
5,379,822 | |||
New Jersey 1.6% | |||
New Jersey, State Economic Development Authority Revenue, Series B, 5.0%, 11/1/2018 | 2,000,000 | 2,080,280 | |
New Jersey, State Health Care Facilities Financing Authority Revenue, Princeton Healthcare System, Series A, 5.0%, 7/1/2018 | 540,000 | 563,150 | |
New Jersey, State Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Federal Highway Reimbursement Notes, Series A-2, 5.0%, 6/15/2023 | 2,300,000 | 2,377,234 | |
5,020,664 | |||
New Mexico 0.5% | |||
New Mexico, Mortgage Finance Authority, Single Family Mortgage, "I", Series D, 5.35%, 9/1/2040 | 235,000 | 247,664 | |
New Mexico, State Finance Authority, State Transportation Revenue, 5.0%, 6/15/2017 | 1,360,000 | 1,367,548 | |
1,615,212 | |||
New York 10.6% | |||
New York, General Obligation, Series G, 5.0%, 8/1/2017 | 2,320,000 | 2,344,801 | |
New York, Metropolitan Transportation Authority Revenue, Series D-2B, 1.278%*, Mandatory Put 5/15/2018 @ 100, 11/1/2032, INS: AGMC | 2,800,000 | 2,800,504 | |
New York, Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Dedicated Tax Fund, Series A-2B, 1.48%*, Mandatory Put 11/1/2019 @ 100, 11/1/2031 | 4,000,000 | 4,013,520 | |
New York, State Thruway Authority, Series J, 5.0%, 1/1/2024 | 7,000,000 | 8,344,490 | |
New York, State Transportation Development Corp., Special Facilities Revenue, Terminal One Group Association LP, AMT, 5.0%, 1/1/2018 | 5,000,000 | 5,130,350 | |
New York, Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority Revenues, Series ABCD-4, 1.25%*, 1/1/2018, INS: AGMC | 1,835,000 | 1,833,862 | |
New York, TSASC, Inc., Series B, 5.0%, 6/1/2019 | 300,000 | 317,202 | |
New York City, NY, Municipal Water Finance Authority, Water & Sewer Systems Revenue, Second Generation Resolution, Fiscal 2014, Series AA-1, 0.89%**, 6/15/2050, SPA: JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | 4,270,000 | 4,270,000 | |
Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Series 188, AMT, 5.0%, 5/1/2023 | 1,535,000 | 1,797,055 | |
Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, One Hundred Eighty Fifth, AMT, 5.0%, 9/1/2017 | 1,500,000 | 1,521,000 | |
32,372,784 | |||
North Carolina 3.5% | |||
Charlotte, NC, General Obligation, Series B, 5.0%, 7/1/2017 | 1,295,000 | 1,304,570 | |
North Carolina, State Grant Anticipation Revenue, 4.0%, Mandatory Put 3/1/2018 @ 100, 3/1/2023 | 4,000,000 | 4,039,680 | |
Raleigh, NC, Combined Enterprise Systems Revenue: | |||
Series B, 5.0%, 12/1/2023 | 2,500,000 | 3,019,400 | |
Series B, 5.0%, 12/1/2024 | 1,295,000 | 1,587,787 | |
Wake County, NC, Public Improvements, Series B, 5.0%, 5/1/2017 | 800,000 | 800,288 | |
10,751,725 | |||
North Dakota 0.5% | |||
North Dakota, State Housing Finance Agency Revenue, Home Mortgage Housing Finance Program, Series A, 4.0%, 7/1/2047 (a) | 1,400,000 | 1,526,742 | |
Ohio 3.8% | |||
Columbus, OH, General Obligation, Series A, Prerefunded 9/1/2017 @ 100, 5.0%, 9/1/2020 | 1,000,000 | 1,014,270 | |
Ohio, State Common Schools: | |||
Series C, 4.0%, 9/15/2017 | 3,835,000 | 3,881,864 | |
Series A, 5.0%, 9/15/2017 | 4,000,000 | 4,064,040 | |
Ohio, State Higher Educational Facility Commission Revenue, Cleveland Clinic Health, Series A, 5.25%, 1/1/2019 | 2,500,000 | 2,576,450 | |
Ohio, State Housing Finance Agency, Residential Mortgage Revenue, Mortgage-Backed Securities Program, Series E, 5.0%, 9/1/2039 | 135,000 | 137,612 | |
11,674,236 | |||
Oregon 0.5% | |||
Oregon, State Housing & Community Services Department, Mortgage Revenue, Single Family Mortgage Program, Series B, AMT, 5.0%, 7/1/2030 | 1,385,000 | 1,474,028 | |
Pennsylvania 5.3% | |||
Lehigh County, PA, Industrial Development Authority Revenue, PPL Electric Utilities Corp.: | |||
Series B, 0.9%, Mandatory Put 8/15/2017 @ 100, 2/15/2027 | 445,000 | 444,942 | |
Series A, 0.9%, Mandatory Put 9/1/2017 @ 100, 9/1/2029 | 450,000 | 449,532 | |
Pennsylvania, State Economic Development Financing Authority Revenue, UPMC Obligated Group, 5.0%, 3/15/2024 | 1,000,000 | 1,192,190 | |
Pennsylvania, State Economic Development Financing Authority, Solid Waste Disposal Revenue, Waste Management, Inc. Project, AMT, 1.2%**, Mandatory Put 8/1/2017 @ 100, 8/1/2045, GTY: Waste Management, Inc. | 1,000,000 | 1,000,000 | |
Pennsylvania, State Economic Development Financing Authority, Solid Waste Disposal, Republic Services, Inc., Series A, AMT, 1.35%*, Mandatory Put 7/3/2017 @ 100, 4/1/2019 | 1,500,000 | 1,500,000 | |
Pennsylvania, State Economic Development Financing Authority, Unemployment Compensation Revenue, Series B, 5.0%, 7/1/2021 | 785,000 | 808,008 | |
Pennsylvania, State General Obligation, Series 1, 5.0%, 3/15/2024 | 1,500,000 | 1,773,675 | |
Pennsylvania, State Housing Finance Agency, Single Family Mortgage Revenue: | |||
Series 119, 3.5%, 10/1/2041 | 2,200,000 | 2,301,750 | |
Series 122, 4.0%, 10/1/2046 | 880,000 | 947,523 | |
Pennsylvania, State Turnpike Commission Revenue: | |||
Series B-1, 1.78%*, 12/1/2020 | 2,000,000 | 1,999,400 | |
Series B, 2.05%*, 12/1/2019 | 1,500,000 | 1,508,865 | |
Series A-1, 5.0%, 12/1/2024 | 1,000,000 | 1,193,270 | |
Philadelphia, PA, Gas Works Revenue, 1998 General Ordinance, Series 14, 5.0%, 10/1/2022 | 1,000,000 | 1,148,500 | |
16,267,655 | |||
South Carolina 2.0% | |||
Charleston County, SC, School District, Bond Anticipation Notes, Series C, 5.0%, 5/2/2017 | 5,000,000 | 5,002,300 | |
South Carolina, Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority, Waterworks & Sewer System Revenue, Series B, 5.0%, 3/1/2018 | 1,000,000 | 1,034,700 | |
6,037,000 | |||
South Dakota 0.3% | |||
South Dakota, Housing Development Authority, Homeownership Mortgage, Series A, AMT, 4.5%, 5/1/2031 | 940,000 | 999,427 | |
Tennessee 1.3% | |||
Tennessee, Housing Development Agency, Residential Financing Program Revenue, Series 1C, 3.0%, 7/1/2038 | 1,355,000 | 1,395,420 | |
Tennessee, State General Obligation, Series C, Prerefunded 5/1/2018 @ 100, 5.0%, 5/1/2023 | 1,675,000 | 1,744,646 | |
Tennessee, State Housing Development Agency, Homeownership Program: | |||
Series 2C, 4.0%, 7/1/2038 | 440,000 | 463,377 | |
Series 1A, AMT, 4.5%, 1/1/2038 | 460,000 | 485,811 | |
4,089,254 | |||
Texas 16.6% | |||
Allen, TX, Independent School District, 5.0%, 2/15/2024 | 1,000,000 | 1,130,380 | |
Alvin, TX, Independent School District, School House: | |||
Series B, 0.95%*, Mandatory Put 8/15/2018 @ 100, 2/15/2039 | 4,000,000 | 3,979,840 | |
Series C, 5.0%, 2/15/2018 | 1,575,000 | 1,626,282 | |
Central Texas, Regional Mobility Authority Revenue, Senior Lien, Series B, 5.0%, Mandatory Put 1/7/2021 @ 100, 1/1/2045 | 1,000,000 | 1,096,040 | |
Dallas, TX, Water Works & Sewer Systems Revenue, Series A, 3.0%, 10/1/2017 | 2,470,000 | 2,493,095 | |
Fort Bend, TX, Independent School District Building, Series A, 0.9%, Mandatory Put 8/1/2018 @ 100, 8/1/2040 | 2,000,000 | 1,993,180 | |
Harris County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Revenue, Memorial Herman Hospital Health System, Series B, 1.48%*, Mandatory Put 12/1/2019 @ 100, 12/1/2042 | 4,000,000 | 3,996,160 | |
Houston, TX, General Obligation, Series A, 5.0%, 3/1/2024 | 1,000,000 | 1,186,710 | |
Houston, TX, Independent School District: | |||
Series 2014A-1A, 2.0%, Mandatory Put 6/1/2017 @ 100, 6/1/2039 | 1,860,000 | 1,862,009 | |
5.0%, 2/15/2018 | 3,265,000 | 3,373,529 | |
Katy, TX, Independent School District, Series A, 5.0%, 2/15/2021 | 3,735,000 | 4,249,048 | |
Plano, TX, Independent School District, Series B, 5.0%, 2/15/2018 | 1,000,000 | 1,033,240 | |
Tarrant County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp., Hospital Revenue, Scott & White Healthcare, Prerefunded 8/15/2020 @ 100, 5.25%, 8/15/2021 | 2,435,000 | 2,751,793 | |
Texas, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport Revenue: | |||
Series D, 5.0%, 11/1/2022 | 1,485,000 | 1,666,838 | |
Series D, 5.0%, 11/1/2023 | 2,890,000 | 3,241,771 | |
Texas, Highland Park Independent School District, 5.0%, 2/15/2022 | 3,610,000 | 4,202,004 | |
Texas, Love Field Airport Modernization Corp., General Airport Revenue, AMT, 5.0%, 11/1/2021 | 500,000 | 568,740 | |
Texas, Municipal Gas Acquisition & Supply Corp. II, Gas Supply Revenue, 1.458%*, 9/15/2017, GTY: JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 1,010,000 | 1,010,818 | |
Texas, State General Obligation, Series B-2, 2.0%, Mandatory Put 8/1/2019 @ 100, 8/1/2025 | 1,215,000 | 1,217,916 | |
Texas, State Transportation Commission Mobility Fund, Series B, 1.28%*, Mandatory Put 10/1/2018 @ 100, 10/1/2041 | 2,500,000 | 2,499,025 | |
Texas, State Transportation Commission, State Highway Fund Revenue, First Tier, 3.0%, 10/1/2017 | 2,000,000 | 2,018,800 | |
Texas, State Water Financial Assistance, Series A2, 2.0%, Mandatory Put 2/1/2018 @ 100, 8/1/2029 | 2,145,000 | 2,144,571 | |
West Harris County, TX, Regional Water Authority, Water Systems Revenue, 5.0%, 12/15/2017 | 1,270,000 | 1,302,918 | |
50,644,707 | |||
Virginia 0.9% | |||
Virginia, State Public School Authority, School Financing, Series A, 5.0%, 8/1/2024 | 2,370,000 | 2,873,032 | |
Washington 2.4% | |||
King County, WA, School District No. 409, 3.0%, 12/1/2017 | 1,405,000 | 1,422,675 | |
Tacoma, WA, Electric System Revenue, Series A, 4.0%, 1/1/2018 | 1,500,000 | 1,531,725 | |
Washington, Energy Northwest Electric Revenue, Project No. 1, Series A, ETM, 4.0%, 7/1/2017 | 500,000 | 502,745 | |
Washington, State General Obligation, Series R-2013A, 5.0%, 7/1/2017 | 2,250,000 | 2,266,627 | |
Washington, State General Obligation, Various Purposes, Series R-C, 5.0%, 7/1/2017 | 1,540,000 | 1,551,381 | |
7,275,153 | |||
Wisconsin 0.4% | |||
Wisconsin, State Health & Educational Facilities Authority Revenue, Froedtert Health, Inc. Obligated Group, Series A, 5.0%, 4/1/2024 | 1,000,000 | 1,186,520 |
% of Net Assets | Value ($) | |
Total Investment Portfolio (Cost $302,015,696) † | 100.3 | 306,781,874 |
Other Assets and Liabilities, Net | (0.3) | (896,937) |
Net Assets | 100.0 | 305,884,937 |
* Floating rate securities' yields vary with a designated market index or market rate, such as the coupon-equivalent of the U.S. Treasury Bill rate. These securities are shown at their current rate as of April 30, 2017.
** Variable rate demand notes are securities whose interest rates are reset periodically at market levels. These securities are often payable on demand, either daily or weekly, and are shown at their current rates as of April 30, 2017. Maturity date shown is the final maturity date.
† The cost for federal income tax purposes was $302,015,696. At April 30, 2017, net unrealized appreciation for all securities based on tax cost was $4,766,178. This consisted of aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all securities in which there was an excess of value over tax cost of $5,156,130 and aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all securities in which there was an excess of tax cost over value of $389,952.
(a) When-issued security.
AGMC: Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.
AMT: Subject to alternative minimum tax.
ETM: Bonds bearing the description ETM (escrow to maturity) are collateralized usually by U.S. Treasury securities which are held in escrow and used to pay principal and interest on bonds so designated.
GTY: Guaranty Agreement
INS: Insured
NATL: National Public Finance Guarantee Corp.
Prerefunded: Bonds which are prerefunded are collateralized usually by U.S. Treasury securities which are held in escrow and used to pay principal and interest on tax-exempt issues and to retire the bonds in full at the earliest refunding date.
SPA: Standby Bond Purchase Agreement
Fair Value Measurements
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund's investments. These inputs are summarized in three broad levels. Level 1 includes quoted prices in active markets for identical securities. Level 2 includes other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds and credit risk). Level 3 includes significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund's own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments). The level assigned to the securities valuations may not be an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with investing in those securities.
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of April 30, 2017 in valuing the Fund's investments. For information on the Fund's policy regarding the valuation of investments, please refer to the Security Valuation section of Note A in the accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
Assets | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
Municipal Investments (b) | $ — | $ 306,781,874 | $ — | $ 306,781,874 |
Total | $ — | $ 306,781,874 | $ — | $ 306,781,874 |
There have been no transfers between fair value measurement levels during the period ended April 30, 2017.
(b) See Investment Portfolio for additional detailed categorizations.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
as of April 30, 2017 (Unaudited) | |
Assets | |
Total investments in securities, at value (cost $302,015,696) | $ 306,781,874 |
Cash | 27,525 |
Receivable for investments sold | 216,925 |
Receivable for Fund shares sold | 268,930 |
Interest receivable | 3,356,205 |
Other assets | 50,265 |
Total assets | 310,701,724 |
Liabilities | |
Payable for investments purchased | 2,500,000 |
Payable for investments purchased — when-issued securities | 1,512,532 |
Line of credit loan payable | 100,000 |
Payable for Fund shares redeemed | 261,857 |
Distributions payable | 72,458 |
Accrued management fee | 62,441 |
Accrued Trustees' fees | 4,353 |
Other accrued expenses and payables | 303,146 |
Total liabilities | 4,816,787 |
Net assets, at value | $ 305,884,937 |
Net Assets Consist of | |
Accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income | (47,413) |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | 4,766,178 |
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) | (6,834,194) |
Paid-in capital | 308,000,366 |
Net assets, at value | $ 305,884,937 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of April 30, 2017 (Unaudited) (continued) | |
Net Asset Value | |
Class A Net Asset Value and redemption price per share ($131,557,805 ÷ 12,996,431 outstanding shares of beneficial interest, $.01 par value, unlimited number of shares authorized) | $ 10.12 |
Maximum offering price per share (100 ÷ 98.00 of $10.12) | $ 10.33 |
Class C Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price (subject to contingent deferred sales charge) per share ($16,778,659 ÷ 1,658,140 outstanding shares of beneficial interest, $.01 par value, unlimited number of shares authorized) | $ 10.12 |
Class S Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share ($123,699,008 ÷ 12,235,752 outstanding shares of beneficial interest, $.01 par value, unlimited number of shares authorized) | $ 10.11 |
Institutional Class Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share ($33,849,465 ÷ 3,343,915 outstanding shares of beneficial interest, $.01 par value, unlimited number of shares authorized) | $ 10.12 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
Statement of Operations
for the six months ended April 30, 2017 (Unaudited) | |
Investment Income | |
Income: Interest | $ 3,064,262 |
Expenses: Management fee | 627,691 |
Administration fee | 156,923 |
Services to shareholders | 170,552 |
Distribution and service fees | 264,752 |
Custodian fee | 3,085 |
Professional fees | 46,409 |
Reports to shareholders | 19,870 |
Registration fees | 37,283 |
Trustees' fees and expenses | 8,500 |
Other | 20,599 |
Total expenses before expense reductions | 1,355,664 |
Expense reductions | (276,978) |
Total expenses after expense reductions | 1,078,686 |
Net investment income | 1,985,576 |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | |
Net realized gain (loss) from investments | (220,028) |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | (977,711) |
Net gain (loss) | (1,197,739) |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | $ 787,837 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | Six Months Ended April 30, 2017 (Unaudited) | Year Ended October 31, 2016 | |
Operations: Net investment income | $ 1,985,576 | $ 4,241,408 | |
Net realized gain (loss) | (220,028) | 3,902,665 | |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | (977,711) | (5,049,159) | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | 787,837 | 3,094,914 | |
Distributions to shareholders from: Net investment income: Class A | (870,715) | (1,973,093) | |
Class B | — | (18)* | |
Class C | (41,936) | (90,731) | |
Class S | (796,307) | (1,129,658) | |
Institutional Class | (276,618) | (1,047,914) | |
Total distributions | (1,985,576) | (4,241,414) | |
Fund share transactions: Proceeds from shares sold | 117,092,436 | 103,114,068 | |
Reinvestment of distributions | 1,745,950 | 3,222,908 | |
Payments for shares redeemed | (110,611,964) | (196,754,805) | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from Fund share transactions | 8,226,422 | (90,417,829) | |
Increase (decrease) in net assets | 7,028,683 | (91,564,329) | |
Net assets at beginning of period | 298,856,254 | 390,420,583 | |
Net assets at end of period (including accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income of $47,413 and $47,413, respectively) | $ 305,884,937 | $ 298,856,254 |
* For the period from November 1, 2015 to February 10, 2016 (see Note A).
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
Financial Highlights
Class A | Six Months Ended 4/30/17 (Unaudited) | Years Ended October 31, | |||||
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | |||
Selected Per Share Data | |||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 10.16 | $ 10.21 | $ 10.26 | $ 10.21 | $ 10.34 | $ 10.24 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: Net investment incomea | .06 | .12 | .09 | .09 | .10 | .14 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | (.04) | (.05) | (.05) | .05 | (.13) | .10 | |
Total from investment operations | .02 | .07 | .04 | .14 | (.03) | .24 | |
Less distributions from: Net investment income | (.06) | (.12) | (.09) | (.09) | (.10) | (.14) | |
Net asset value, end of period | $ 10.12 | $ 10.16 | $ 10.21 | $ 10.26 | $ 10.21 | $ 10.34 | |
Total Return (%)b,c | .21** | .66 | .42 | 1.37 | (.31) | 2.36 | |
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data | |||||||
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) | 132 | 158 | 189 | 222 | 294 | 338 | |
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%) | .92* | .90 | .89 | .90 | .90 | .88 | |
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%) | .73* | .73 | .76 | .73 | .74 | .75 | |
Ratio of net investment income (%) | 1.22* | 1.15 | .91 | .87 | .96 | 1.36 | |
Portfolio turnover rate (%) | 37** | 81 | 26 | 36 | 41 | 50 | |
a Based on average shares outstanding during the period. b Total return does not reflect the effect of any sales charges. c Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced. * Annualized ** Not annualized | |||||||
Class C | Six Months Ended 4/30/17 (Unaudited) | Years Ended October 31, | |||||
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | |||
Selected Per Share Data | |||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 10.16 | $ 10.20 | $ 10.26 | $ 10.21 | $ 10.33 | $ 10.24 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: Net investment incomea | .02 | .04 | .02 | .01 | .02 | .06 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | (.04) | (.04) | (.06) | .05 | (.12) | .09 | |
Total from investment operations | (.02) | .00*** | (.04) | .06 | (.10) | .15 | |
Less distributions from: Net investment income | (.02) | (.04) | (.02) | (.01) | (.02) | (.06) | |
Net asset value, end of period | $ 10.12 | $ 10.16 | $ 10.20 | $ 10.26 | $ 10.21 | $ 10.33 | |
Total Return (%)b,c | (.16)** | .01 | (.43) | .61 | (.96) | 1.50 | |
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data | |||||||
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) | 17 | 20 | 25 | 33 | 39 | 46 | |
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%) | 1.69* | 1.67 | 1.67 | 1.67 | 1.66 | 1.65 | |
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%) | 1.48* | 1.48 | 1.51 | 1.48 | 1.49 | 1.50 | |
Ratio of net investment income (%) | .47* | .40 | .16 | .12 | .21 | .61 | |
Portfolio turnover rate (%) | 37** | 81 | 26 | 36 | 41 | 50 | |
a Based on average shares outstanding during the period. b Total return does not reflect the effect of any sales charges. c Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced. * Annualized ** Not annualized *** Amount is less than $.005. | |||||||
Class S | Six Months Ended 4/30/17 (Unaudited) | Years Ended October 31, | |||||
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | |||
Selected Per Share Data | |||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 10.15 | $ 10.19 | $ 10.25 | $ 10.20 | $ 10.32 | $ 10.23 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: Net investment incomea | .07 | .13 | .11 | .10 | .11 | .16 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | (.04) | (.04) | (.06) | .05 | (.12) | .09 | |
Total from investment operations | .03 | .09 | .05 | .15 | (.01) | .25 | |
Less distributions from: Net investment income | (.07) | (.13) | (.11) | (.10) | (.11) | (.16) | |
Net asset value, end of period | $ 10.11 | $ 10.15 | $ 10.19 | $ 10.25 | $ 10.20 | $ 10.32 | |
Total Return (%)b | .29** | .91 | .48 | 1.52 | (.06) | 2.41 | |
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data | |||||||
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) | 124 | 81 | 74 | 96 | 167 | 161 | |
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%) | .72* | .74 | .76 | .71 | .70 | .73 | |
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%) | .58* | .58 | .61 | .58 | .59 | .60 | |
Ratio of net investment income (%) | 1.38* | 1.30 | 1.06 | 1.03 | 1.11 | 1.51 | |
Portfolio turnover rate (%) | 37** | 81 | 26 | 36 | 41 | 50 | |
a Based on average shares outstanding during the period. b Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced. * Annualized ** Not annualized | |||||||
Institutional Class | Six Months Ended 4/30/17 (Unaudited) | Years Ended October 31, | |||||
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | |||
Selected Per Share Data | |||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 10.16 | $ 10.20 | $ 10.26 | $ 10.21 | $ 10.34 | $ 10.24 | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: Net investment incomea | .07 | .14 | .12 | .12 | .12 | .17 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | (.04) | (.04) | (.06) | .05 | (.13) | .10 | |
Total from investment operations | .03 | .10 | .06 | .17 | (.01) | .27 | |
Less distributions from: Net investment income | (.07) | (.14) | (.12) | (.12) | (.12) | (.17) | |
Net asset value, end of period | $ 10.12 | $ 10.16 | $ 10.20 | $ 10.26 | $ 10.21 | $ 10.34 | |
Total Return (%)b | .34** | 1.02 | .58 | 1.63 | (.06) | 2.62 | |
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data | |||||||
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) | 34 | 40 | 101 | 172 | 85 | 90 | |
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%) | .70* | .65 | .64 | .60 | .59 | .59 | |
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%) | .48* | .48 | .51 | .48 | .49 | .50 | |
Ratio of net investment income (%) | 1.47* | 1.39 | 1.15 | 1.12 | 1.21 | 1.59 | |
Portfolio turnover rate (%) | 37** | 81 | 26 | 36 | 41 | 50 | |
a Based on average shares outstanding during the period. b Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced. * Annualized ** Not annualized | |||||||
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)
A. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies
Deutsche Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund (the "Fund") is a diversified series of Deutsche Municipal Trust (the "Trust"), which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as an open-end management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust.
The Fund offers multiple classes of shares which provide investors with different purchase options. Class A shares are subject to an initial sales charge. Class B shares automatically converted to Class A shares on February 10, 2016 and are no longer offered. Class B shares were not subject to an initial sales charge and were subject to higher ongoing expenses than Class A shares and a contingent deferred sales charge payable upon certain redemptions. Class C shares are not subject to an initial sales charge but are subject to higher ongoing expenses than Class A shares and a contingent deferred sales charge payable upon certain redemptions within one year of purchase. Class C shares do not automatically convert into another class. Class S shares are not subject to initial or contingent deferred sales charges and are only available to a limited group of investors. Institutional Class shares are not subject to initial or contingent deferred sales charges and are generally available only to qualified institutions.
Investment income, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and certain fund-level expenses and expense reductions, if any, are borne pro rata on the basis of relative net assets by the holders of all classes of shares, except that each class bears certain expenses unique to that class such as distribution and service fees, services to shareholders and certain other class-specific expenses. Differences in class-level expenses may result in payment of different per share dividends by class. All shares of the Fund have equal rights with respect to voting subject to class-specific arrangements.
The Fund's financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") which require the use of management estimates. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Fund qualifies as an investment company under Topic 946 of Accounting Standards Codification of U.S. GAAP. The policies described below are followed consistently by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.
Security Valuation. Investments are stated at value determined as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange on each day the exchange is open for trading.
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund's investments. These inputs are summarized in three broad levels. Level 1 includes quoted prices in active markets for identical securities. Level 2 includes other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds and credit risk). Level 3 includes significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund's own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments). The level assigned to the securities valuations may not be an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with investing in those securities.
Municipal debt securities are valued at prices supplied by independent pricing services approved by the Fund's Board, whose valuations are intended to reflect the mean between the bid and asked prices. Such services may use various pricing techniques which take into account appropriate factors such as yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics and other data, as well as broker quotes. If the pricing services are unable to provide valuations, the securities are valued at the mean of the most recent bid and asked quotations or evaluated prices, as applicable, obtained from one or more broker-dealers. These securities are generally categorized as Level 2.
Investments in open-end investment companies are valued at their net asset value each business day and are categorized as Level 1.
Securities and other assets for which market quotations are not readily available or for which the above valuation procedures are deemed not to reflect fair value are valued in a manner that is intended to reflect their fair value as determined in accordance with procedures approved by the Board and are generally categorized as Level 3. In accordance with the Fund's valuation procedures, factors considered in determining value may include, but are not limited to, the type of the security; the size of the holding; the initial cost of the security; the existence of any contractual restrictions on the security's disposition; the price and extent of public trading in similar securities of the issuer or of comparable companies; quotations or evaluated prices from broker-dealers and/or pricing services; information obtained from the issuer, analysts, and/or the appropriate stock exchange (for exchange-traded securities); an analysis of the company's or issuer's financial statements; an evaluation of the forces that influence the issuer and the market(s) in which the security is purchased and sold; and with respect to debt securities, the maturity, coupon, creditworthiness, currency denomination and the movement of the market in which the security is normally traded. The value determined under these procedures may differ from published values for the same securities.
Disclosure about the classification of fair value measurements is included in a table following the Fund's Investment Portfolio.
When-Issued/Delayed Delivery Securities. The Fund may purchase or sell securities with delivery or payment to occur at a later date beyond the normal settlement period. At the time the Fund enters into a commitment to purchase or sell a security, the transaction is recorded and the value of the transaction is reflected in the net asset value. The price of such security and the date when the security will be delivered and paid for are fixed at the time the transaction is negotiated. The value of the security may vary with market fluctuations. At the time the Fund enters into a purchase transaction it is required to segregate cash or other liquid assets at least equal to the amount of the commitment.
Certain risks may arise upon entering into when-issued or delayed delivery transaction from the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts or if the issuer does not issue the securities due to political, economic, or other factors. Additionally, losses may arise due to changes in the value of the underlying securities.
Federal Income Taxes. The Fund's policy is to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, which are applicable to regulated investment companies, and to distribute all of its taxable and tax-exempt income to its shareholders.
Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, net capital losses incurred post-enactment may be carried forward indefinitely, and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for eight years and treated as short-term losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.
At October 31, 2016, the Fund had a net tax basis capital loss carryforward of approximately $6,614,000 of pre-enactment losses, which may be applied against any realized net taxable capital gains of each succeeding year until fully utilized or October 31, 2017 ($5,603,000) and October 31, 2018 ($1,011,000), the respective expiration dates, whichever occurs first.
The Fund has reviewed the tax positions for the open tax years as of October 31, 2016 and has determined that no provision for income tax and/or uncertain tax provisions is required in the Fund's financial statements. The Fund's federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain open subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service.
Distribution of Income and Gains. Net investment income of the Fund is declared as a daily dividend and is distributed to shareholders monthly. Net realized gains from investment transactions, in excess of available capital loss carryforwards, would be taxable to the Fund if not distributed, and, therefore, will be distributed to shareholders at least annually. The Fund may also make additional distributions for tax purposes if necessary.
The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gain distributions are determined annually in accordance with federal tax regulations which may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These differences primarily relate to certain securities sold at a loss. As a result, net investment income (loss) and net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions for a reporting period may differ significantly from distributions during such period. Accordingly, the Fund may periodically make reclassifications among certain of its capital accounts without impacting the net asset value of the Fund.
The tax character of current year distributions will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year.
Expenses. Expenses of the Trust arising in connection with a specific fund are allocated to that fund. Other Trust expenses which cannot be directly attributed to a fund are apportioned among the funds in the Trust based upon the relative net assets or other appropriate measures.
Contingencies. In the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Fund's maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet been made. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.
Other. Investment transactions are accounted for on a trade date plus one basis for daily net asset value calculations. However, for financial reporting purposes, investment transactions are reported on trade date. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are recorded on an identified cost basis. All premiums and discounts are amortized/accreted for both tax and financial reporting purposes with the exception of securities in default of principal.
B. Purchases and Sales of Securities
During the six months ended April 30, 2017, purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) aggregated $143,889,096 and $108,587,510, respectively.
C. Related Parties
Management Agreement. Under the Investment Management Agreement with Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc. ("DIMA" or the "Advisor"), an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Deutsche Bank AG, the Advisor directs the investments of the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives, policies and restrictions. The Advisor determines the securities, instruments and other contracts relating to investments to be purchased, sold or entered into by the Fund.
Under the Investment Management Agreement with the Advisor, the Fund pays a monthly management fee based on the Fund's average daily net assets, computed and accrued daily and payable monthly, at the following annual rates:
First $500 million of the Fund's average daily net assets | .400% |
Next $500 million of such net assets | .385% |
Next $1.0 billion of such net assets | .370% |
Over $2.0 billion of such net assets | .355% |
Accordingly, for the six months ended April 30, 2017, the fee pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement was equivalent to an annualized rate (exclusive of any applicable waivers/reimbursements) of 0.40% of the Fund's average daily net assets.
For the period from November 1, 2016 through January 31, 2018, the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or reimburse certain operating expenses of the Fund to the extent necessary to maintain the total annual operating expenses (excluding certain expenses such as extraordinary expenses, taxes, brokerage and interest) of each class as follows:
Class A | .73% |
Class C | 1.48% |
Class S | .58% |
Institutional Class | .48% |
For the six months ended April 30, 2017, fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed for each class are as follows:
Class A | $ 133,997 |
Class C | 18,985 |
Class S | 83,389 |
Institutional Class | 40,607 |
$ 276,978 |
Administration Fee. Pursuant to an Administrative Services Agreement, DIMA provides most administrative services to the Fund. For all services provided under the Administrative Services Agreement, the Fund pays the Advisor an annual fee ("Administration Fee") of 0.10% of the Fund's average daily net assets, computed and accrued daily and payable monthly. For the six months ended April 30, 2017, the Administration Fee was $156,923, of which $25,668 is unpaid.
Service Provider Fees. Deutsche AM Service Company ("DSC"), an affiliate of the Advisor, is the transfer agent, dividend-paying agent and shareholder service agent of the Fund. Pursuant to a sub-transfer agency agreement between DSC and DST Systems, Inc. ("DST"), DSC has delegated certain transfer agent, dividend-paying agent and shareholder service agent functions to DST. DSC compensates DST out of the shareholder servicing fee it receives from the Fund. For the six months ended April 30, 2017, the amounts charged to the Fund by DSC were as follows:
Services to Shareholders | Total Aggregated | Unpaid at April 30, 2017 |
Class A | $ 2,889 | $ 1,987 |
Class C | 630 | 475 |
Class S | 2,118 | 1,580 |
Institutional Class | 818 | 818 |
$ 6,455 | $ 4,860 |
Distribution and Service Fees. Under the Fund's Class C 12b-1 Plan, Deutsche AM Distributors, Inc. ("DDI"), an affiliate of the Advisor, receives a fee ("Distribution Fee") of 0.75% of average daily net assets of Class C shares. In accordance with the Fund's Underwriting and Distribution Services Agreement, DDI enters into related selling group agreements with various firms at various rates for sales of Class C shares. For the six months ended April 30, 2017, the Distribution Fee was as follows:
Distribution Fee | Total Aggregated | Unpaid at April 30, 2017 |
Class C | $ 66,908 | $ 10,470 |
In addition, DDI provides information and administrative services for a fee ("Service Fee") to Class A and C shareholders at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets. DDI in turn has various agreements with financial services firms that provide these services and pays these fees based upon the assets of shareholder accounts the firms service. For the six months ended April 30, 2017, the Service Fee was as follows:
Service Fee | Total Aggregated | Unpaid at April 30, 2017 | Annualized Rate |
Class A | $ 175,756 | $ 82,937 | .25% |
Class C | 22,088 | 10,800 | .25% |
$ 197,844 | $ 93,737 |
Underwriting Agreement and Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. DDI is the principal underwriter for the Fund. Underwriting commissions paid in connection with the distribution of Class A shares for the six months ended April 30, 2017, aggregated $623.
In addition, DDI receives any contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") from Class C share redemptions occurring within one year of purchase. There is no such charge upon redemption of any share appreciation or reinvested dividends. The CDSC is 1% of the value of the shares redeemed for Class C. For the six months ended April 30, 2017, the CDSC for Class C shares aggregated $1,224. A deferred sales charge of up to 0.50% is assessed on certain redemptions of Class A shares. For the six months ended April 30, 2017, DDI received $11,651 for Class A shares.
Typesetting and Filing Service Fees. Under an agreement with DIMA, DIMA is compensated for providing typesetting and certain regulatory filing services to the Fund. For the six months ended April 30, 2017, the amount charged to the Fund by DIMA included in the Statement of Operations under "Reports to shareholders" aggregated $9,050, of which $7,273 is unpaid.
Trustees' Fees and Expenses. The Fund paid retainer fees to each Trustee not affiliated with the Advisor, plus specified amounts to the Board Chairperson and Vice Chairperson and to each committee Chairperson.
D. Line of Credit
The Fund and other affiliated funds (the "Participants") share in a $400 million revolving credit facility provided by a syndication of banks. The Fund may borrow for temporary or emergency purposes, including the meeting of redemption requests that otherwise might require the untimely disposition of securities. The Participants are charged an annual commitment fee which is allocated based on net assets, among each of the Participants. Interest is calculated at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the Federal Funds Rate plus 1.25 percent plus if the one-month LIBOR exceeds the Federal Funds Rate, the amount of such excess. The Fund may borrow up to a maximum of 33 percent of its net assets under the agreement.
At April 30, 2017, the Fund had a $100,000 outstanding loan. Interest expense incurred on the borrowings was $19 for the six months ended April 30, 2017. The average dollar amount of the borrowings was $100,000, the weighted average interest rate on these borrowings was 2.25% and the Fund had a loan outstanding for 3 days throughout the period. The borrowings were valued at cost, which approximates fair value.
E. Share Transactions
The following table summarizes share and dollar activity in the Fund:
Six Months Ended April 30, 2017 | Year Ended October 31, 2016 | |||
Shares | Dollars | Shares | Dollars | |
Shares sold | ||||
Class A | 1,596,752 | $ 16,081,889 | 2,504,873 | $ 25,570,382 |
Class C | 96,746 | 974,054 | 192,997 | 1,968,597 |
Class S | 9,336,138 | 94,056,227 | 5,899,682 | 60,192,394 |
Institutional Class | 592,135 | 5,980,266 | 1,505,637 | 15,382,695 |
$ 117,092,436 | $ 103,114,068 | |||
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions | ||||
Class A | 75,148 | $ 758,225 | 165,679 | $ 1,691,354 |
Class B | — | — | 2* | 18* |
Class C | 3,288 | 33,171 | 6,857 | 69,968 |
Class S | 71,177 | 717,430 | 91,306 | 930,957 |
Institutional Class | 23,502 | 237,124 | 51,970 | 530,611 |
$ 1,745,950 | $ 3,222,908 | |||
Shares redeemed | ||||
Class A | (4,231,628) | $ (42,633,542) | (5,659,398) | $ (57,811,624) |
Class B | — | — | (5,016)* | (51,141)* |
Class C | (375,284) | (3,781,730) | (742,958) | (7,579,957) |
Class S | (5,183,031) | (52,248,479) | (5,278,104) | (53,822,354) |
Institutional Class | (1,185,225) | (11,948,213) | (7,586,804) | (77,489,729) |
$ (110,611,964) | $ (196,754,805) | |||
Net increase (decrease) | ||||
Class A | (2,559,728) | $ (25,793,428) | (2,988,846) | $ (30,549,888) |
Class B | — | — | (5,014)* | (51,123)* |
Class C | (275,250) | (2,774,505) | (543,104) | (5,541,392) |
Class S | 4,224,284 | 42,525,178 | 712,884 | 7,300,997 |
Institutional Class | (569,588) | (5,730,823) | (6,029,197) | (61,576,423) |
$ 8,226,422 | $ (90,417,829) |
* For the period from November 1, 2015 to February 10, 2016 (see Note A).
Information About Your Fund's Expenses
As an investor, you incur two types of costs: ongoing expenses and transaction costs. Ongoing expenses include management fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees and other Fund expenses. Examples of transaction costs include sales charges (loads) and account maintenance fees, which are not shown in this section. The following tables are intended to help you understand your ongoing expenses (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to help you compare these expenses with the ongoing expenses of investing in other mutual funds. In the most recent six-month period, the Fund limited these expenses; had it not done so, expenses would have been higher. The example in the table is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period and held for the entire period (November 1, 2016 to April 30, 2017).
The tables illustrate your Fund's expenses in two ways:
— Actual Fund Return. This helps you estimate the actual dollar amount of ongoing expenses (but not transaction costs) paid on a $1,000 investment in the Fund using the Fund's actual return during the period. To estimate the expenses you paid over the period, simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the "Expenses Paid per $1,000" line under the share class you hold.
— Hypothetical 5% Fund Return. This helps you to compare your Fund's ongoing expenses (but not transaction costs) with those of other mutual funds using the Fund's actual expense ratio and a hypothetical rate of return of 5% per year before expenses. Examples using a 5% hypothetical fund return may be found in the shareholder reports of other mutual funds. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period.
Please note that the expenses shown in these tables are meant to highlight your ongoing expenses only and do not reflect any transaction costs. The "Expenses Paid per $1,000" line of the tables is useful in comparing ongoing expenses only and will not help you determine the relative total expense of owning different funds. Subject to certain exceptions, an account maintenance fee of $20.00 assessed once per calendar year for Classes A, C and S shares may apply for accounts with balances less than $10,000. This fee is not included in these tables. If it was, the estimate of expenses paid for Classes A, C and S shares during the period would be higher, and account value during the period would be lower, by this amount.
Expenses and Value of a $1,000 Investment for the six months ended April 30, 2017 (Unaudited) | ||||
Actual Fund Return | Class A | Class C | Class S | Institutional Class |
Beginning Account Value 11/1/16 | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,000.00 |
Ending Account Value 4/30/17 | $ 1,002.10 | $ 998.40 | $ 1,002.90 | $ 1,003.40 |
Expenses Paid per $1,000* | $ 3.62 | $ 7.33 | $ 2.88 | $ 2.38 |
Hypothetical 5% Fund Return | Class A | Class C | Class S | Institutional Class |
Beginning Account Value 11/1/16 | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,000.00 |
Ending Account Value 4/30/17 | $ 1,021.17 | $ 1,017.46 | $ 1,021.92 | $ 1,022.41 |
Expenses Paid per $1,000* | $ 3.66 | $ 7.40 | $ 2.91 | $ 2.41 |
* Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio for each share class, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181 (the number of days in the most recent six-month period), then divided by 365.
Annualized Expense Ratios | Class A | Class C | Class S | Institutional Class |
Deutsche Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund | .73% | 1.48% | .58% | .48% |
For more information, please refer to the Fund's prospectus.
For an analysis of the fees associated with an investment in the Fund or similar funds, please refer to http://apps.finra.org/fundanalyzer/1/fa.aspx.
Advisory Agreement Board Considerations and Fee Evaluation
The Board of Trustees (hereinafter referred to as the "Board" or "Trustees") approved the renewal of Deutsche Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund’s (the "Fund") investment management agreement (the "Agreement") with Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc. ("DIMA") in September 2016.
In terms of the process that the Board followed prior to approving the Agreement, shareholders should know that:
— During the entire process, all of the Fund’s Trustees were independent of DIMA and its affiliates (the "Independent Trustees").
— The Board met frequently during the past year to discuss fund matters and dedicated a substantial amount of time to contract review matters. Over the course of several months, the Board’s Contract Committee reviewed extensive materials received from DIMA, independent third parties and independent counsel. These materials included an analysis of the Fund’s performance, fees and expenses, and profitability from a fee consultant retained by the Fund’s Independent Trustees (the "Fee Consultant"). The Board also received extensive information throughout the year regarding performance of the Fund.
— The Independent Trustees regularly meet privately with counsel to discuss contract review and other matters. In addition, the Independent Trustees were advised by the Fee Consultant in the course of their review of the Fund’s contractual arrangements and considered a comprehensive report prepared by the Fee Consultant in connection with their deliberations.
— In connection with reviewing the Agreement, the Board also reviewed the terms of the Fund’s Rule 12b-1 plan, distribution agreement, administrative services agreement, transfer agency agreement and other material service agreements.
— Based on its evaluation of the information provided, the Contract Committee presented its findings and recommendations to the Board. The Board then reviewed the Contract Committee’s findings and recommendations.
In connection with the contract review process, the Contract Committee and the Board considered the factors discussed below, among others. The Board also considered that DIMA and its predecessors have managed the Fund since its inception, and the Board believes that a long-term relationship with a capable, conscientious advisor is in the best interests of the Fund. The Board considered, generally, that shareholders chose to invest or remain invested in the Fund knowing that DIMA managed the Fund. DIMA is part of Deutsche Bank AG’s ("Deutsche Bank") Asset Management ("Deutsche AM") division. Deutsche AM is a global asset management business that offers a wide range of investing expertise and resources, including research capabilities in many countries throughout the world. Deutsche Bank has advised the Board that the U.S. asset management business continues to be a critical and integral part of Deutsche Bank, and that Deutsche Bank will continue to invest in Deutsche AM and seek to enhance Deutsche AM’s investment platform. Deutsche Bank also has confirmed its commitment to maintaining strong legal and compliance groups within the Deutsche AM division.
As part of the contract review process, the Board carefully considered the fees and expenses of each Deutsche fund overseen by the Board in light of the fund’s performance. In many cases, this led to the negotiation and implementation of expense caps. As part of these negotiations, the Board indicated that it would consider relaxing these caps in future years following sustained improvements in performance, among other considerations.
While shareholders may focus primarily on fund performance and fees, the Fund’s Board considers these and many other factors, including the quality and integrity of DIMA’s personnel and such other issues as back-office operations, fund valuations, and compliance policies and procedures.
Nature, Quality and Extent of Services. The Board considered the terms of the Agreement, including the scope of advisory services provided under the Agreement. The Board noted that, under the Agreement, DIMA provides portfolio management services to the Fund and that, pursuant to a separate administrative services agreement, DIMA provides administrative services to the Fund. The Board considered the experience and skills of senior management and investment personnel and the resources made available to such personnel. The Board reviewed the Fund’s performance over short-term and long-term periods and compared those returns to various agreed-upon performance measures, including market index(es) and a peer universe compiled using information supplied by Morningstar Direct ("Morningstar"), an independent fund data service. The Board also noted that it has put into place a process of identifying "Focus Funds" (e.g., funds performing poorly relative to a peer universe), and receives additional reporting from DIMA regarding such funds and, where appropriate, DIMA’s plans to address underperformance. The Board believes this process is an effective manner of identifying and addressing underperforming funds. Based on the information provided, the Board noted that for the one-, three- and five-year periods ended December 31, 2015, the Fund’s performance (Class A shares) was in the 2nd quartile, 3rd quartile and 3rd quartile, respectively, of the applicable Morningstar universe (the 1st quartile being the best performers and the 4th quartile being the worst performers). The Board also observed that the Fund has outperformed its benchmark in the five-year period and has underperformed its benchmark in the one- and three-year periods ended December 31, 2015.
Fees and Expenses. The Board considered the Fund’s investment management fee schedule, operating expenses and total expense ratios, and comparative information provided by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. ("Broadridge") and the Fee Consultant regarding investment management fee rates paid to other investment advisors by similar funds (1st quartile being the most favorable and 4th quartile being the least favorable). With respect to management fees paid to other investment advisors by similar funds, the Board noted that the contractual fee rates paid by the Fund, which include a 0.10% fee paid to DIMA under the Fund’s administrative services agreement, were higher than the median (4th quartile) of the applicable Broadridge peer group (based on Broadridge data provided as of December 31, 2015). The Board noted that the Fund’s Class A shares total (net) operating expenses (excluding 12b-1 fees) were expected to be higher than the median (3rd quartile) of the applicable Broadridge expense universe (based on Broadridge data provided as of December 31, 2015, and analyzing Broadridge expense universe Class A (net) expenses less any applicable 12b-1 fees) ("Broadridge Universe Expenses"). The Board also reviewed data comparing each share class’s total (net) operating expenses to the applicable Broadridge Universe Expenses. The Board noted that the expense limitations agreed to by DIMA were expected to help the Fund’s total (net) operating expenses remain competitive. The Board considered the Fund’s management fee rate as compared to fees charged by DIMA to comparable Deutsche U.S. registered funds ("Deutsche Funds") and considered differences between the Fund and the comparable Deutsche Funds. The information requested by the Board as part of its review of fees and expenses also included information about institutional accounts (including any sub-advised funds and accounts) and funds offered primarily to European investors ("Deutsche Europe funds") managed by Deutsche AM. The Board noted that DIMA indicated that Deutsche AM does not manage any institutional accounts or Deutsche Europe funds comparable to the Fund.
On the basis of the information provided, the Board concluded that management fees were reasonable and appropriate in light of the nature, quality and extent of services provided by DIMA.
Profitability. The Board reviewed detailed information regarding revenues received by DIMA under the Agreement. The Board considered the estimated costs and pre-tax profits realized by DIMA from advising the Deutsche Funds, as well as estimates of the pre-tax profits attributable to managing the Fund in particular. The Board also received information regarding the estimated enterprise-wide profitability of DIMA and its affiliates with respect to all fund services in totality and by fund. The Board and the Fee Consultant reviewed DIMA’s methodology in allocating its costs to the management of the Fund. Based on the information provided, the Board concluded that the pre-tax profits realized by DIMA in connection with the management of the Fund were not unreasonable. The Board also reviewed certain publicly available information regarding the profitability of certain similar investment management firms. The Board noted that while information regarding the profitability of such firms is limited (and in some cases is not necessarily prepared on a comparable basis), DIMA and its affiliates’ overall profitability with respect to the Deutsche Funds (after taking into account distribution and other services provided to the funds by DIMA and its affiliates) was lower than the overall profitability levels of most comparable firms for which such data was available.
Economies of Scale. The Board considered whether there are economies of scale with respect to the management of the Fund and whether the Fund benefits from any economies of scale. The Board noted that the Fund’s investment management fee schedule includes fee breakpoints. The Board concluded that the Fund’s fee schedule represents an appropriate sharing between the Fund and DIMA of such economies of scale as may exist in the management of the Fund at current asset levels.
Other Benefits to DIMA and Its Affiliates. The Board also considered the character and amount of other incidental benefits received by DIMA and its affiliates, including any fees received by DIMA for administrative services provided to the Fund and any fees received by an affiliate of DIMA for distribution services. The Board also considered benefits to DIMA related to brokerage and soft-dollar allocations, including allocating brokerage to pay for research generated by parties other than the executing broker dealers, which pertain primarily to funds investing in equity securities, along with the incidental public relations benefits to DIMA related to Deutsche Funds advertising and cross-selling opportunities among DIMA products and services. The Board considered these benefits in reaching its conclusion that the Fund’s management fees were reasonable.
Compliance. The Board considered the significant attention and resources dedicated by DIMA to documenting and enhancing its compliance processes in recent years. The Board noted in particular (i) the experience, seniority and time commitment of the individuals serving as DIMA’s and the Fund’s chief compliance officers; (ii) the large number of DIMA compliance personnel; and (iii) the substantial commitment of resources by DIMA and its affiliates to compliance matters.
Based on all of the information considered and the conclusions reached, the Board unanimously determined that the continuation of the Agreement is in the best interests of the Fund. In making this determination, the Board did not give particular weight to any single factor identified above. The Board considered these factors over the course of numerous meetings, certain of which were in executive session with only the Independent Trustees and counsel present. It is possible that individual Independent Trustees may have weighed these factors differently in reaching their individual decisions to approve the continuation of the Agreement.
Account Management Resources
For More Information | The automated telephone system allows you to access personalized account information and obtain information on other Deutsche funds using either your voice or your telephone keypad. Certain account types within Classes A, C and S also have the ability to purchase, exchange or redeem shares using this system. For more information, contact your financial advisor. You may also access our automated telephone system or speak with a Shareholder Service representative by calling: (800) 728-3337 |
Web Site | deutschefunds.com View your account transactions and balances, trade shares, monitor your asset allocation, subscribe to fund and account updates by e-mail, and change your address, 24 hours a day. Obtain prospectuses and applications, blank forms, interactive worksheets, news about Deutsche funds, retirement planning information, and more. |
Written Correspondence | Deutsche Asset Management PO Box 219151 |
Proxy Voting | The fund's policies and procedures for voting proxies for portfolio securities and information about how the fund voted proxies related to its portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 are available on our Web site — deutschefunds.com (click on "proxy voting"at the bottom of the page) — or on the SEC's Web site — sec.gov. To obtain a written copy of the fund's policies and procedures without charge, upon request, call us toll free at (800) 728-3337. |
Portfolio Holdings | Following the fund's fiscal first and third quarter-end, a complete portfolio holdings listing is filed with the SEC on Form N-Q. This form will be available on the SEC's Web site at sec.gov, and it also may be reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the SEC's Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330. The fund's portfolio holdings are also posted on deutschefunds.com from time to time. Please see the fund's current prospectus for more information. |
Principal Underwriter | If you have questions, comments or complaints, contact: Deutsche AM Distributors, Inc. 222 South Riverside Plaza (800) 621-1148 |
Investment Management | Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc. ("DIMA" or the "Advisor"), which is part of Deutsche Asset Management, is the investment advisor for the fund. DIMA and its predecessors have more than 80 years of experience managing mutual funds and DIMA provides a full range of investment advisory services to both institutional and retail clients. DIMA is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Deutsche Bank AG. Deutsche Bank AG is a major global banking institution engaged in a wide variety of financial services, including investment management, retail, private and commercial banking, investment banking and insurance. |
Class A | Class C | Class S | Institutional Class | |
Nasdaq Symbol | SRMAX | SRMCX | SRMSX | MGSMX |
CUSIP Number | 25158T 863 | 25158T 889 | 25158T 806 | 25158T 830 |
Fund Number | 436 | 736 | 2336 | 536 |
Privacy Statement
FACTS | What Does Deutsche Asset Management Do With Your Personal Information? | ||
Why? | Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do. | ||
What? | The types of personal information we collect and share can include: — Social Security number — Account balances — Purchase and transaction history — Bank account information — Contact information such as mailing address, e-mail address and telephone number | ||
How? | All financial companies need to share customers' personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers' personal information, the reasons Deutsche Asset Management chooses to share and whether you can limit this sharing. | ||
Reasons we can share your personal information | Does Deutsche Asset Management share? | Can you limit this sharing? | |
For our everyday business purposes — such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders or legal investigations | Yes | No | |
For our marketing purposes — to offer our products and services to you | Yes | No | |
For joint marketing with other financial companies | No | We do not share | |
For our affiliates' everyday business purposes — information about your transactions and experiences | No | We do not share | |
For our affiliates' everyday business purposes — information about your creditworthiness | No | We do not share | |
For non-affiliates to market to you | No | We do not share | |
Questions? | Call (800) 728-3337 or e-mail us at service@db.com | ||
Who we are | |
Who is providing this notice? | Deutsche AM Distributors, Inc; Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc.; Deutsche AM Investor Services, Inc.; Deutsche AM Trust Company; the Deutsche Funds |
What we do | |
How does Deutsche Asset Management protect my personal information? | To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings. |
How does Deutsche Asset Management collect my personal information? | We collect your personal information, for example, when you: — open an account — give us your contact information — provide bank account information for ACH or wire transactions — tell us where to send money — seek advice about your investments |
Why can't I limit all sharing? | Federal law gives you the right to limit only — sharing for affiliates' everyday business purposes — information about your creditworthiness — affiliates from using your information to market to you — sharing for non-affiliates to market to you State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing. |
Definitions | |
Affiliates | Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial or non-financial companies. Our affiliates include financial companies with the DWS or Deutsche Bank ("DB") name, such as DB AG Frankfurt. |
Non-affiliates | Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and non-financial companies. Non-affiliates we share with include account service providers, service quality monitoring services, mailing service providers and verification services to help in the fight against money laundering and fraud. |
Joint marketing | A formal agreement between non-affiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you. Deutsche Asset Management does not jointly market. |
Rev. 09/2016 |
Notes
Notes
ITEM 2. | CODE OF ETHICS | |
Not applicable. | ||
ITEM 3. | AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT | |
Not applicable | ||
ITEM 4. | PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES | |
Not applicable | ||
ITEM 5. | AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS | |
Not applicable | ||
ITEM 6. | SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS | |
Not applicable | ||
ITEM 7. | DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES | |
Not applicable | ||
ITEM 8. | PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES | |
Not applicable | ||
ITEM 9. | PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS | |
Not applicable | ||
ITEM 10. | SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS | |
There were no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Fund’s Board. The primary function of the Nominating and Governance Committee is to identify and recommend individuals for membership on the Board and oversee the administration of the Board Governance Guidelines. Shareholders may recommend candidates for Board positions by forwarding their correspondence by U.S. mail or courier service to Keith R. Fox, Deutsche Funds Board Chair, c/o Thomas R. Hiller, Ropes & Gray LLP, Prudential Tower, 800 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199-3600. | ||
ITEM 11. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES | |
(a) | The Chief Executive and Financial Officers concluded that the Registrant’s Disclosure Controls and Procedures are effective based on the evaluation of the Disclosure Controls and Procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report. | |
(b) | There have been no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting. | |
ITEM 12. | EXHIBITS | |
(a)(1) | Not applicable | |
(a)(2) | Certification pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)) is filed and attached hereto as Exhibit 99.CERT. | |
(b) | Certification pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)) is furnished and attached hereto as Exhibit 99.906CERT. |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Registrant: | Deutsche Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund, a series of Deutsche Municipal Trust |
By: | /s/Brian E. Binder Brian E. Binder President |
Date: | 6/29/2017 |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By: | /s/Brian E. Binder Brian E. Binder President |
Date: | 6/29/2017 |
By: | /s/Paul Schubert Paul Schubert Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer |
Date: | 6/29/2017 |